machiavelli
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Literary
Definition
Meaning
A reference to Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527), a Florentine diplomat and political philosopher, whose name has become an eponym.
Used to describe a person who is cunning, unscrupulous, and manipulative in politics or other dealings, prioritizing expediency over morality; or to describe ideas, principles, or behavior characterized by such cunning and pragmatism.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is highly connotative, almost always pejorative in modern use, implying deceit and amorality. It functions primarily as a proper noun (referring to the person) or as a common noun (a Machiavelli). The derived adjective is 'Machiavellian'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is consistent in meaning and frequency. Spelling of the adjective is identical.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in academic/political discourse; equally low in everyday conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[determiner] + Machiavellibe + a + Machiavelliaccuse + NP + of being + a MachiavelliVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Machiavelli in the boardroom”
- “Out-Machiavelli Machiavelli”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe a ruthlessly pragmatic and manipulative CEO or executive, e.g., 'He's a real Machiavelli when it comes to corporate takeovers.'
Academic
Common in political science, history, and philosophy to discuss realpolitik, power dynamics, and the ideas from 'The Prince'.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used hyperbolically to describe a very manipulative friend or family member.
Technical
Not applicable in STEM fields. Used specifically in political theory and analysis.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- His plan was thoroughly Machiavellian in its deception.
American English
- She employed a Machiavellian strategy to win the nomination.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Machiavelli was an Italian writer.
- Some people think he was not a good man.
- The politician was accused of being a Machiavelli, using any means to gain power.
- Her Machiavellian tactics in the negotiations shocked her colleagues.
- The biography painted the CEO not as a visionary but as a corporate Machiavelli, for whom ethics were always secondary to profit.
- His rise to party leadership was a masterclass in Machiavellian realpolitik.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Match a villain' – a Machiavelli matches a villain in cunning.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS A GAME OF DECEPTION. A PERSON IS A TOOL-USING MANIPULATOR.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as 'Макиавелли' as a common noun in informal contexts; it's primarily a name in Russian. The concept is better captured by 'макиавеллиевский' (adj.) or 'хитрый интриган'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Machiavelli' as a verb (e.g., 'He machiavellied his way to the top') is non-standard. The correct form is 'behaved in a Machiavellian way'.
- Mispronunciation: /mætʃiəˈveli/ (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern connotation of calling someone 'a Machiavelli'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, almost always yes. It implies someone is deceitful and amoral. In academic contexts, it can be a more neutral descriptor of a pragmatic, power-focused philosophy.
'Machiavelli' is a noun referring to the person or someone like him. 'Machiavellian' is the adjective describing the cunning, amoral behavior associated with him.
Scholars debate this. 'The Prince' is often read as a cynical guide to seizing power, but some argue it was a satirical work or a realistic analysis of the politics of his time.
It's a high-level, literary/academic word. Using it in everyday talk might sound pretentious. Simpler words like 'manipulative' or 'scheming' are more common.